The role of environmental planning and building services director has been vacant since July 2015 when David Shaw retired after a local career in council.

Janet Bingham and Richard Denyer have been sharing the role of acting director since then.

Former engineering services director Doug Patterson joined Mr Shaw in retirement at the start of this year, with Darren Sturgiss taking over the role of acting director.

But the leadership void plumbed new depths on Wednesday night when just one of council’s four departments was represented by a permanent director at council’s monthly meeting.

Mr Denyer was there in his role as acting environmental planning and building services director while Mr Strurgiss was away at a conference, leaving Russell Deans as the acting director of engineering.

Aaron Jones stepped up as acting corporate services and finance director in the absence of Bob Roach, meaning that Alan Cattermole (cultural and community services) was the only permanent director there.

General manager David Sherley acknowledged the problem but said council was now moving to fill the vacant roles.

“Council is looking to engage a suitably qualified consultant to undertake the recruitment process for the positions of director of environmental planning and building services and director of engineering,” Mr Sherley said.

Mr Sherley said the positions would be filled under council’s existing corporate structure despite earlier suggestions a restructure might be on the cards.